PhD Graduate

The PhD Graduate Provincial Nominee Program (PNP) is a pathway to permanent residency in Canada designed for international students who have recently completed a PhD program at an eligible Ontario university. To be eligible, applicants must have completed a PhD program at an eligible Ontario university within the past two years, have legal status in Canada, have the intention to live and work in Ontario, demonstrate proficiency in English or French, and have sufficient settlement funds. 

The PNP has a simplified application process compared to other immigration programs, and successful applicants will receive a provincial nomination, which provides them with additional points under the federal Express Entry system. The PNP is a valuable option for international students who have completed their studies in Ontario and wish to continue their career in the province while obtaining permanent residency status in Canada.

• For graduates with an Ontario PhD degree.
• Must first register in the OINP’s Expression of Interest System and receive an invitation to apply.
• Apply online to be nominated by the Ontario government for permanent residence.
• Next step is to apply to the federal government through Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC). (Provincial Nominee Program-Non Express Entry).They make the final decision on who becomes a permanent resident.